Gunmen ambushed a commercial bus belonging to GUO Transport Company on the busy Benin–Ore Expressway on Monday, killing the driver and abducting several passengers in a brazen broad-daylight attack.
The incident occurred along the heavily travelled route connecting Lagos to eastern Nigeria, a corridor notorious for frequent kidnappings despite the presence of multiple security checkpoints.
Witnesses said the attackers intercepted the bus, opened fire on the driver who died instantly, then forced the passengers out and marched them into the dense vegetation lining the highway. Videos circulating on social media showed the abandoned bus with doors open and personal belongings scattered across the road.
The attack has triggered widespread panic and outrage among Nigerians, with many questioning the effectiveness of security measures on one of the country’s major highways.
Public anger intensified on social media, where users expressed disbelief that such an incident could occur in an area reportedly monitored by security operatives. Some unverified claims suggested that security personnel may have been nearby during the assault.
The Ore–Benin corridor has long been considered a high-risk route due to dense vegetation and poor visibility in some sections, factors blamed for enabling criminal activities despite repeated government promises to improve safety.
No official statements had been issued by the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, or GUO Transport Company several hours after the incident. The company also declined to confirm the exact number of passengers abducted or provide details on any rescue operations.
The latest violence adds to growing fears over safety on Nigeria’s highways and has prompted renewed calls for urgent government action, including enhanced patrols, improved surveillance and stronger intelligence operations.
This remains a developing story, with authorities yet to provide updates on the fate of the abducted passengers or any ongoing search efforts.
